Child poverty in Macomb County rises dramatically

Child Poverty in Macomb County increased 50 percent, between 2005 and 2011, according to the latest Kids Count in Michigan Data Book, part of a national effort to improve conditions for children and their families.

“We clearly see a connection between higher-income communities and better outcomes for kids,” said Jane Zehnder-Merrell, Kids Count in Michigan project director at the Michigan League for Public Policy. “But even in more affluent counties, child poverty and the need for food assistance jumped dramatically.”

The rate of young children in the county qualifying for food assistance increased 83 percent, compared to a statewide rise of 55 percent.

“The number of children eligible for food assistance doubled to include 17,000 children,” Zehnder-Merrell said. “At the same time, the number of children who qualified for free and reduced cost lunch jumped from 22,000 to 32,000. That’s a pretty significant increase.”

In the New Haven school district, 52 percent of students at the elementary level, and 47 percent in high school qualify for free and reduced lunches, said Superintendent Keith Wunderlich. “That number has leveled off in the last couple years, but yes, we did see big increases between 2005 and 2011.”

Regional as well local unemployment, in particular, the closing of the foundry about 11 years ago, has had a sweeping effect on the financial viability of his district.

“Much of what was downtown, where the factory workers spent time and money, is no more,” Wunderlich said.

Three additional areas of concern healthwise in Macomb County include:

A 10 percent increase in the infant mortality rate, in which Macomb placed 27th of 49 counties ranked.

A 13 percent increase in the number of low, birth-weight infants, in which Macomb County placed 70th of 81 counties ranked, with 8.6 percent of babies born too small, compared to 8.5 percent statewide. “This statistic is really out of whack,” Zehnder Merrell said.

A 6 percent increase in the child/teen death rate, in which Macomb placed 23 of 56 counties ranked.

“The health of the mother is a key influence in regard to infant mortality and low birth-weight babies,” Zehnder Merrell said. “One of four mothers giving birth in Macomb County does not have adequate health care.”

The report also indicated the rate of confirmed victims of abuse and neglect, linked to poverty, increased by 41 percent in the county, compared to a statewide increase of just 28 percent, Kids Count report.

Karen Olsen, Great Start Collaborative Coordinator for the Macomb Intermediate School District, said the MISD has analyzed past Kids Count data and implemented programs to address key areas of concern.

Overall, Macomb County ranked in the top 25 percent of the state. The report indicated an overall improvement in the area of education. “We’ve implemented several early literacy workshops and trainings for professionals,” Olsen said. “In addition, (our team) works with parents of children, birth to age 5, to strengthen literacy skills. We’ve also greatly increased the number of children’s books and resources to parents.”

Statewide, the biggest improvements include the decline of kids in foster care, which fell by 6,000 between 2005 and 2011, from 17,000 to 11,000; as well as a decrease in fourth-graders not proficient in reading from 40 percent to 32 percent of test takers in the Michigan Educational Assessment Program.